The fact that the Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier (CDU) met with representatives of the survivors of the Hanau attack is widely known and appreciated. Nonetheless, the SPD MP Turgut Yüksel succeeded in the committee of inquiry into the circumstances of the racist murder on several occasions in making the Union politician appear in a negative light - at least at first glance. He repeatedly asked individual relatives of the victims whether Bouffier, Interior Minister Peter Beuth (CDU) or the police chief had called them once. The answer was no. But could it be otherwise, given the circumstances and the large number of those left behind?
The mother of the young man, whom the assassin cut down first on the night of horror, went even harder with Bouffier.
She said he told her that he had seen worse in his legal profession.
The fact that a mother speaks like this because the murder of her son fills her with bitter pain and infinite anger will not be criticized.
But the question arises, why at least the parliamentarians of the governing coalition who elected Bouffier into his office did not feel compelled to inquire.
It is not about the CDU politician as a person, but about his prominent role as head of government.
What helps the relatives?
The fact that the members of the CDU and the Greens left the serious accusation in the room is related to a good intention. At the start of the questioning of witnesses by the committee of inquiry, the bereaved should speak their anger off their hearts and feel how much the country in which the monstrous act took place mourns with them. Critical inquiries therefore seemed inappropriate. But they belong to the essence of the parliamentary committee of inquiry. Because it's about gaining new knowledge.
But the left has long since formed its opinion.
After the father of one of the victims criticized the outdated emergency call system in Hanau, the political verdict was announced in a press release: “One thing is clear: Vili-Viorel Păun could still be alive if there had been a functioning emergency call.” The temptation to call the committee of inquiry instrumentalize is also tempting in this case.
Whether the formulation of such accusations is really good for the bereaved in the end?
Once the politicians have politely accepted the allegations, the police and prosecutors will oppose them.
Many will not like that.